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NEWS | Supercopa
13 January 2024

Sergi Roberto: "I'd be especially happy to win the Super Cup against Real Madrid"

Barcelona captain Sergi Roberto spoke to the media ahead of Sunday's Spanish Super Cup final 20:00 (Spanish peninsula time) between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid at Al-Awwal Park in Riyadh.

Just like his Real Madrid Real Madrid counterpart Nacho, the midfielder from Reus, is looking forward to his first final as the Barça captain after more than 17 years playing at the club: "Being captain of Barça is a dream come true. It would be great to be able to lift the Super Cup trophy as captain for the first time, and even more so against Real Madrid”.

Regarding the comparisons with last year's final, when FC Barcelona beat Real Madrid 1-3, Sergi Roberto acknowledges that "in last year's final we were very good and we outplayed Real Madrid. It was one of our best games and it ended up being very important for us to win that game and the Super Cup''.

This season’s Super Cup comes in the form of a Clasico, a match like no other for Real Madrid and Barcelona: "In the Clasicos all form goes out the window. It's a match of maximum motivation and rivalry for both teams. Barça-Madrid is always a final and tomorrow I hope to lift the Super Cup. It's an extra motivation to face and beat Real Madrid".

With regard to the system of play, the Barça captain is clear that "we have to be strong on the ball and be able to defend their counter-attacks and when they are in and around our box. From the very first to the very last minute". He also highlights the role of Jude Bellingham and his adaptation to life at Real Madrid: "With Bellingham they have brought in a very important player with a lot of quality".

"I want to win tomorrow and lift the title. If you play well, you enjoy the games more, but this is about winning," remarked Roberto. "For me, it would be very special to lift the title against Real Madrid as capitan.

Finally, Sergi Roberto emphasised how important winning last season’s Super Cup was for Barcelona’s season and hopes for a similar impact this time round: "I hope that tomorrow is a turning point for the team. Against Real Madrid you have to dominate all aspects of the game. Madrid are a very strong team physically, but we will try to be better than them in all aspects of the game in order to get the win".

After the press conference, FC Barcelona held their final training session at the Al-Nassr training facilities prior to the final between FC Barcelona and Real Madrid this Sunday at 20:00 (Spanish peninsular time).

WATCH BARCELONA'S FINAL PRE-MATCH TRAINING SESSION BEFORE TOMORROW'S FINAL